AC Milan draw Benfica, Bournemouth and Salzburg in Europa League league phase

AC Milan have been handed a Europa League league-phase draw that combines a marquee home meeting with Benfica with a series of potentially awkward away assignments, as Rúben Amorim’s side begin their European campaign with a realistic route towards the top eight.

Milan, seeded in Pot 1, will host Benfica, Ferencváros, Sunderland and Ararat-Armenia at San Siro. Their four away fixtures will take them to Olympiacos, Salzburg, Bournemouth and Levski Sofia.

The visit of Benfica immediately stands out as the headline fixture. The Portuguese side represent one of the strongest opponents Milan could have drawn from the top pot, but staging the contest in Milan gives the Rossoneri the advantage of facing their highest-profile opponent on home ground.

The away programme carries a different type of difficulty.

Olympiacos have extensive European experience and traditionally provide a demanding environment in Piraeus, while Salzburg’s intensity and aggressive approach have made trips to Austria uncomfortable for established continental sides.

Bournemouth also offer Milan a rare competitive meeting with Premier League opposition during the league phase. The match in England may lack the historical profile of Benfica’s visit to San Siro, but it could prove one of the more physically demanding fixtures on Milan’s schedule.

At home, however, the draw creates opportunities that Amorim’s side will be expected to exploit. Ferencváros and Sunderland should both provide competitive tests, while Ararat-Armenia are the lowest-profile opponent among Milan’s eight fixtures and a match in which the Italian side will enter as clear favourites.

Levski Sofia complete the away schedule and, together with trips to Greece and Austria, ensure Milan’s campaign will involve several contrasting environments rather than a straightforward sequence of fixtures.

That balance makes the top eight a legitimate objective.

Under the 36-team league format, the first eight clubs advance directly to the round of 16, while those finishing between ninth and 24th must contest an additional two-legged knockout play-off. Avoiding that extra round can become significant once domestic and European schedules intensify in February.

Milan have therefore emerged with a draw that offers opportunity without removing risk. Benfica provide the highest ceiling of opposition, while Olympiacos, Salzburg and Bournemouth give the Rossoneri three away matches capable of punishing an uneven performance.

The league phase begins on September 16 and 17 and runs through January 28, with UEFA still to confirm the exact order and kick-off times of Milan’s eight fixtures.